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Gwynn Inches Toward Hits Milestone

By

Frederick C. Klein

Updated June 18, 1999 1:01 a.m. ET

SAN DIEGO -- It'll happen sometime next month, probably early rather than late. Tony Gwynn, a left-handed hitter, will get an outside pitch and slap it between the shortstop and third baseman for a base hit. It could unfold differently, but it shouldn't. Mr. Gwynn has put so many balls through that gap they should pave it when he retires and name the street for him.

The people in the stands -- there'll be lots of them if the game is in San Diego -- will rise and cheer, and Mr. Gwynn will remove his cap and acknowledge the tribute....